Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat has cast doubt on Qatar’s role as an intermediary in the mediation efforts with Hamas, suggesting the Gulf state cannot be trusted due to allegations of funding terror globally. In a televised interview, Barkat did not mince words, stating, “They’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” emphasizing his distrust toward Qatar and accusing it of propagating terror worldwide.
The tensions between Israel and Qatar have escalated following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public request for Qatar to exert influence over Hamas to secure the release of hostages. Netanyahu highlighted Qatar’s financial support to Hamas and its ability to pressure the group, which relies heavily on Doha. He stated, “Qatar can press Hamas as no one else can. They host Hamas leaders. Hamas is dependent on them financially,” urging for increased pressure on the Gulf state to act.
Qatar, however, rebutted the Israeli Prime Minister’s statements with a stern response. Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Majed Al-Ansari labeled Netanyahu’s call as a strategy to “delay and prolong the war for reasons that have become clear to everyone.” He categorically rejected the “empty accusations” against Qatar’s humanitarian efforts, highlighting that such actions were conducted in full coordination with Israel, the United States, Egypt, the United Nations, and other concerned parties.
Further complicating matters, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani characterized the cease-fire talks as “not very promising.” He mentioned two critical elements in the negotiations: addressing humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for Israeli captives.
Amid the stalemate, Hamas has demanded an end to the Israeli blockade on Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has stood firm against these conditions and has rejected the concept of a cease-fire that allows Hamas to rebuild its military capabilities.
On another front, leaked comments from Netanyahu have surfaced, referring to Qatar’s role as a mediator as “problematic,” which Qatar’s officials have deemed as “irresponsible and destructive.” Nonetheless, Qatar has assured that it would not jeopardize the hostage talks, in spite of the controversy.
Barkat, 64, made a fortune in high tech before entering politics, winning election as mayor of Jerusalem in 2008. He’s made clear his ambition to lead the Likud party and run for prime minister but has been careful not to challenge Netanyahu directly, saying he’s waiting for him to step down. He’s had disagreements with Netanyahu over the budget and an effort last year to overhaul the judiciary.
Relevant articles:
– Israel Minister Says Qatar Is Deceitful as Broker For Hamas
– Qatar criticises Israel’s Netanyahu over Hamas comments Al Jazeera English, Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT
– CIA director to meet with Israel and Qatar representatives over hostage deadlock NBC News, Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT
– Qatar Harshly Rebukes Netanyahu for Allegedly Labeling It as ‘Problematic’: Could Undermine Gaza Mediation Efforts Haaretz, Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT